Bags of fun
Starting a new school year? Don’t sweat it — we’ve got it in the bag, says Ruth O’Connor
Stay ahead of the pack with savvy schoolbag advice
WITH the new school year imminent, it’s time to get organised. Whether your child is making their first steps through the playschool door or taking that giant leap into secondary school, we’ve got you covered with all you need to know about this year’s schoolbags.
While the kids may pick what schoolbags they want, ultimately it’s the parents who make the final decision. Those that seem to satisfy both the teens’ need to keep up with trends, and the parents’ requirements for good support and price, are the solid and stylish Kånken bags by Swedish company Fjällräven.
Available in a myriad of rainbow colours both online and from the Basecamp store in Dublin, these good-looking, well-made, squareshaped, waxed canvas bags aren’t cheap at €89.99 but they are the perfect shape for school books, folders and iPads, have multiway straps, and their special fabric swells in damp or wet weather to become waterproof.
If you’re in Cork’s neck of the woods, you’ll know that the distinctive stripes of the bags by McWilliams Sailmakers hold a similar cache. Handmade in Crosshaven, the bags come in four colours — blue, black, red and green — with a choice of nine different colour straps and can be embroidered. The small or medium sizes are probably best for schoolkids and cost €57 and €62 respectively.
Paul Fallon runs the online store
schoolbags.ie and says that it’s always worth paying that extra little bit for a decent quality schoolbag. Fallon’s range includes bags by Jansport (his most popular seller, which comes with a 30-year guarantee). Try the Superbreak (€39.95) for primary school kids or the large Student style (€59.95) for secondary school.
Fallon also stocks the Irish brand Ridge53. Speaking from experience, I can say these are great quality, sturdy bags with lots of pockets and a built-in reflective cover for dark winter evenings. Designed in Maynooth, Co Kildare, these bags cost €41.95 and are best suited to children from Fifth Class upwards.
For those in the junior cycle, a Freelander backpack or one from a high-street store such as M&S or Debenhams will serve its purpose but you need to pay at least €20. Ensure that the bag has an external pocket for drinks to avoid
spillages on new books and artwork. Check out the new range of bags by Regatta which have mesh side pockets and are made from hard-wearing material with easy-to-use zips.
While bags by sports brands such as Ellesse, Nike and Adidas look great and are a firm favourite with older kids and teenagers, they may not have the back support or lasting power you need and may work better for sports gear. If you do opt for one of these, a trip to Life Style Sports or the Pink range at Victoria’s Secrets will make you a very popular parent.